Lecture 15: Cell Cycle & Karyotype

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the cell cycle and karyotype, helping students understand the fundamental processes of cell division and regulation.

Cell Division

The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.

Binary Fission

A method of asexual reproduction where a prokaryotic cell divides into two equal parts, each with a copy of the parent's DNA.

Cytokinesis

The process during cell division where the cytoplasm splits to form two daughter cells.

MPF (M-phase promoting factor)

A protein complex that promotes the transition from G2 phase to M phase in the cell cycle.

Cyclins

Proteins that regulate the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs).

CDKs (Cyclin-dependent kinases)

Enzymes that, when activated by cyclins, regulate various processes in the cell cycle.

Ploidy

The number of sets of chromosomes in a cell.

Tumor Suppressors

Proteins that regulate the cell cycle and can induce apoptosis when DNA damage is detected.

G1 Phase

The first phase of the cell cycle where cell growth occurs and organelles are produced.

S Phase

The phase of the cell cycle where DNA replication occurs.

G2 Phase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for mitosis by growing and duplicating organelles.

Restriction Point

A point in the G1 phase where the cell decides whether to continue dividing based on internal and external signals.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Regulatory pathways in the cell cycle that ensure proper progression through the phases.

Human Karyotype

The complete set of chromosomes in a human cell, consisting of 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes.

Chromosomal Aberration

Any change in the normal structure or number of chromosomes, which can lead to genetic disorders.

FtsZ Protein

A protein that plays a key role in bacterial cytokinesis by forming a Z-ring that helps in cell division.